Fitness come sin all forms and fashions. One of the key elelemnts fo sound health is functional, full, and non-painful range of motion. These following movements, split into upper an dlower body, may help maintain or attain proper range of motion.

NOTE: Active range of motion exercises help improve joint function. Range of motion is how far you can move your joints in different directions. These exercises help you move each joint through its full range of motion. Movement can help keep your joints flexible, reduce pain, and improve balance and strength.

Inevitably, injuries occur. Often we incur overuse injuries due to improper form or even too much of a good thing. Depending on the injury and the medical professional, there are a number of methods to help treat injuries. Here are a few to consider.

Acupuncture

Compression and/or Elevation

Contrast therapy

Heat (sauna, steam, hot tub etc.)

Massage therapy

Lymphatic drainage

Physical therapy

R.I.C.E., a treatment method for soft tissue injury which is an acronym for Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation

Marc D. Thompson, owner of VirtuFit®, is a prominent fitness trainer and personal coach with a background in medicine and exercise physiology. He has pioneered virtual training, teaching via Skype one-on-one sessions and group classes on each continent. Approaching fitness holistically, Marc believes the fusion of creativity and practicality is essential in moving each individual toward their health goals. He may be reached at marc@virtufit.net.

We all need to move and stretch. Here are some of the multi-muscle ways to relax, stretch, increase range of motion. Remember, just as important as the static pose, is the way transitions.

Cobra pose

Down dog pose

Extended childs pose

Low lunge pose

Mountain pose, hands raised

Prone over stability ball

Standing forward fold pose

Supine bent knee torso twist

Supine over stability ball

Triangle pose

Up dog pose

Warrior pose

NOTE: For traditional static stretches to be effective, determine the correct muscle angle (function) and vary the stretch duration from 2–60 seconds.

Marc D. Thompson, owner of VirtuFit®, is a prominent fitness trainer and personal coach with a background in medicine and exercise physiology. He has pioneered virtual training, teaching via Skype one-on-one sessions and group classes on each continent. Approaching fitness holistically, Marc believes the fusion of creativity and practicality is essential in moving each individual toward their health goals. He may be reached at marc@virtufit.net.

As the Sacroiliac joint (S-I joint) becomes more and more involved in overuse, injury and rehabilitation, it is important to know what stretches and exercises can prevent or treat the area. Below are some basic stretches (asanas) and 4 progressive workouts.

Supersets, alternating two exercises for the same muscle group, taking as little rest as possible between each set

Marc D. Thompson, owner of VirtuFit®, is a prominent fitness trainer and personal coach with a background in medicine and exercise physiology. He has pioneered virtual training, teaching via Skype one-on-one sessions and group classes on each continent. Approaching fitness holistically, Marc believes the fusion of creativity and practicality is essential in moving each individual toward their health goals. Along with over 25 years of experience and thousands of clients, he draws from physical and cognitive exercise techniques, various fitness disciplines, sports psychology techniques and nutritional principals to empower each individual client. His fitness and genealogy books continue to help hundreds improve and maintain wellness.

Body Work has many benefits for our bodies and soul. Sometimes it is confusing which type is best for an individual. Here is a basic list to get your research started.

Aromatherapy, therapeutic use of aromatic plant extracts and essential oils

ayurveda and yoga

Deep tissue, designed to relieve severe tension in the muscle and the connective tissue or fascia

Myofascial release, technique for stretching the fascia and releasing bonds between fascia, integument, and muscles

Reiki, technique of transmitting life energy by placing the hands gently in specific positions either on or above the body

Shiatsu, applied pressure with thumbs, fingers, and palms to the same energy meridians as acupressure, uses stretching

Sports, designed to enhance athletic performance and recovery

Stone Therapy, uses cold or water-heated stones to apply pressure and heat to the body

Swedish, uses five styles of long, flowing strokes to massage

Thai, originated in India and is based on

Therapeutic, involves acting on and manipulating the body with pressure

Find the benefits of bodywork either by visiting us here at VirtuFit or locating a practitioner near you.

Marc D. Thompson, owner of VirtuFitTM, is a prominent fitness trainer and personal coach with a background in medicine and exercise physiology. He has pioneered virtual training and teaches via Skype one-on-one and group classes. Approaching fitness holistically, Marc believes the fusion of creativity, analysis, intuition and practicality is essential in moving each individual toward their fitness goals. Along with over 25 years of experience, he draws from thousands of exercises, fitness disciplines, sports psychology techniques and nutritional principals to empower each individual client.

Marc D. Thompson, owner of VirtuFit®, is a prominent fitness trainer and personal coach with a background in medicine and exercise physiology. He has pioneered virtual training and teaches via Skype one-on-one and group classes. Approaching fitness holistically, Marc believes the fusion of creativity and practicality is essential in moving each individual toward their fitness goals. Along with over 25 years of experience, he draws from thousands of exercises, fitness disciplines, sports psychology techniques and nutritional principals to empower each individual client.

FITNESS TIP: Nearly any action or combinations of actions can be cardiovascular. Be creative and safe to have fun keeping your heart strong.

Marc D. Thompson, owner of VirtuFit®, is a prominent fitness trainer and personal coach with a background in medicine and exercise physiology. He has pioneered virtual training and teaches via Skype one-on-one and group classes. Approaching fitness holistically, Marc believes the fusion of creativity and practicality is essential in moving each individual toward their fitness goals. Along with over 25 years of experience, he draws from thousands of exercises, fitness disciplines, sports psychology techniques and nutritional principals to empower each individual client.

Marc D. Thompson is a prominent fitness trainer and personal coach with a background in medicine and exercise physiology. TRAINER TRAINING, teaching virtual technoiques--Interested in being a virtual trainer or instructor: go to http://www.virtufit.net/uploads/teachVPT.pdf. 2, 4 and 8 week programs.
He has devoted his life to understanding the body and its systems. His passion is finding and isolating the physical strengths and weaknesses of each client and matching them with a multitude of fitness disciplines to improve their physical, mental and psychological wellbeing. Approaching fitness holistically, Marc believes the fusion of creativity and practicality is essential in moving each individual toward their fitness goals. Along with over 25 years of experience, his greatest strength is his ability to draw from hundreds of exercises, fitness disciplines, sports psychology techniques and nutritional principals to empower each individual he trains. In his studio in Delray Beach, Florida, Marc works one-on-one with individuals and has broadened his reach to train a multitude of clients around the world with teleconferencing. Not only is he pioneering virtual training, Marc has designed numerous innovative fitness programs including Resistance Yoga, A-Team, X-Cycling, and Cardio Core. Marc carries an AFAA professional certification and has been a PT Faculty, a Senior Fitness Director and a YMCA Fitness Cluster Coordinator. He uses sports psychology, nutrition and motivation to enhance progress of his clientele and has been certified in Aquatic Teaching, PT Teaching, Cycling, Swimming, Yoga, Mat Science and Stability Ball. Marc also administered programs including Massage Therapy, Road races, Pilates, Tai Chi and Dance. Personally, Marc has trained for numerous duathalons, triathlons, half-marathons and plays golf, tennis, swimming, racquetball, volleyball, baseball, softball and many others. He works with individuals of all ages and experience levels, from novice to advanced athlete, as well as those who are mentally and physically handicapped. With clients, Marc incorporates muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, range of motion, balance, power, agility, quickness, speed, coordination and proprioception and so much more. Marc has taught a wide range of fitness classes including cycling, yoga, youth fitness, adventure camps, outdoor training, military training, and interval classes for corporations and at special and community events. Additional Certs: 0058-A Lupus Overview 0057-Package Deal 0055-Hypertension and Exercise 0056-AFAA's Nutrition Policy Statement 0054-Understanding Gait Function 0053-Back on the Ball 0052-Understanding Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus 0076-Pilates 0028-Water Tai Chi 0031-The Pilates Method for a Balanced Body 0066-Lifestyle Coaching 0032-Parkinson's Disease and Exercise